Gazzew U4 vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew U4 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider the unique features and characteristics that set them apart. The U4 is renowned for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, accompanied by a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a tactile typing experience with a quiet sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, appealing to users looking for a well-balanced typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths and are ideal for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Gazzew U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In terms of sound production, the Gazzew U4's top and bottom Gazzew blend housing results in a consistent rich and deep sound profile. The softness of the Gazzew plastic blend contributes to a uniquely smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort and sound quality. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings splits the qualities of the sound profile between the top and bottom of the switch. The polycarbonate top housing provides a clearer and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
When comparing the aesthetic features of the two switches, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a unique advantage for users who enjoy RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant and visually appealing lighting effect, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts who prioritize aesthetics. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4's Gazzew blend housing may not offer the same level of visual flair, but its focus on sound quality and comfort makes it a solid choice for those who value a smooth and deep sound profile while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Gazzew U4 tactile switch and Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in that regard. However, the U4 has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Violet Gold Pro, which has an unknown bottom out force. This difference means that the U4 may be preferred by those who like a more substantial typing feel, while the Violet Gold Pro may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the slight variation in bottom out force gives users the option to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Violet Gold Pro offers just a bit more depth compared to the U4. For those who prefer a more responsive and faster key press, the U4 with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may find the slight increase in travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
The Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience when compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer a different acoustic experience, with the U4 leaning towards a more subdued tone while the Violet Gold Pro strikes a balance between different sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is praised for its sharp tactile feedback, delivering a strong and crisp bump with each keypress. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a stepped tactile sensation, providing a more gradual and mild feedback compared to the intense bump of the U4. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the distinct sharpness of the U4 or the smoother stepped feeling of the Violet Gold Pro for their typing needs.
Overall, the Gazzew U4 and Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the U4 provides a plush bottom-out sensation and a whisper-quiet sound profile with a sharp tactile bump, the Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced typing experience with a light touch and neutral sound signature. Choosing between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. No matter the choice, users can expect a top-quality typing experience from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a sharp tactile bump with a plush bottom-out sensation, then the U4 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and a light touch with a neutral sound signature, then the Violet Gold Pro may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you value most - whether it be a more intense tactile feedback or a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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